Tuition increase could affect both Jayhawks, Cardinals

Proposed tuition increases at Kansas University aren't a major cause of concern for some Eudora High School seniors heading to The Hill. Yet the changes could cause the highest ever tuition increase at the institution.

If the University starts spending as much as its peers, students could pay $96 more per credit hour at an institution once touted as a best buy. Aside from the perceived value of the school, Eudora High School counselor Brian Kraus said the school's proximity to Eudora makes it a desired destination for Cardinals not wanting to fly too far from the nest.

"Most of them stay in state," Kraus said. "I would say we have a pretty even split between KU, K-State and Johnson County (Community College)."

Although the deadline to apply for Kansas University isn't until April 1, Kraus said as of December a number of students had already applied.

One of those students, Mike Lockhart, said location influenced his decision.

"I was planning on going to a tech college, or something nearby or Johnson County," he said. "I want it to be where, if I want to, I could live at home."

Lockhart, who said he's "pretty sure" he'll be going to Kansas University in the fall, said an increase in tuition wouldn't make that big of a difference for him.

"It's a concern, but my parents are paying for college," he said. "It's not really going to affect me."

Fellow Eudora senior Megan Reetz, who often talks about the university with fellow future Jayhawks at lunch, said she picked Kansas University because of the quality business school and the location.

"It's close to home, but not at home," she said.

Family scholarships would keep Reetz from worrying too much about any increases. Not so for all Jayhawks, she said.

Reetz and her roommate plan to live in Lewis Residence Hall, a suite hall running students about $5,500 per year, she said.

"I know some people who wanted to live there and didn't have the money," she said.

In lieu of rising tuition, Reetz said, "Students may go there regardless, but they may have to do things differently, like find different housing or cut down on food."